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    Obama Inauguration

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January 21, 2009

Bold words, inspired nation

By Janet Jacobs

There was a giddy mood at the swearing-in ceremonies Tuesday in Washington D.C. People sang in the subway and when the cold wind kept people on their feet, they stamped in time to the Marine Corps band's music and the ground vibrated like a giant drum.

Stretched out in front of the capital as far as I could see was a solid carpet of people, waving flags and chanting "O-ba-ma."

I took more photos of the crowd than I did of the man of the hour, because while both had come a long way to arrive at that place and point in time, I knew that I'd never see a crowd like that again.

In front of us, we had the distraction of celebrity-watching. It was a mixed-bag of famous and semi-famous, from Usher to Jamie Lee Curtis, and from Samuel L. Jackson to Caroline Kennedy.

The big excitement for us came when Oprah swept through with her entourage, although I never saw more than a curly mop of hair, myself.

The speech itself was bold, I thought. I liked his words to other countries, that we would welcome those who want to cooperate, and that those who oppress their people are on the losing side of history.

I like boldness in a president, especially in uncertain times, and his words definitely moved the crowd. As he wrapped up his speech, the woman next to me began to laugh and cry at the same time, she was so overwhelmed with the emotion of the moment.

Even before the poet had finished, people were leaving, trying to beat the crowds, but they may as well have tried to beat the ocean to the shore. Within minutes, people were filling up the streets, sidewalks and overwhelming entrances to anyplace that might offer warmth, water, food or bathrooms, not necessarily in that order.

They lined up for blocks in front of the nearest subway station, in front of the various federal buildings where they could gain entrance, leaving in their wake a wide trail of trash, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves.

In the Longworth building I found a basement dining room open to the public, although there was no food or drink, it was merely a warm place to sit and watch CNN, and dozens of people huddled around tables like tired, red-faced refugees.

In that relatively quiet place, people talked to strangers about their hometowns and why they had to come to Washington for this week, no matter the sacrifice.

Despite the discomfort, and the choking security measures, most said they were glad they'd come, as was I.

If I have one regret, it's that I didn't get a decent look at Oprah.

—————

Janet Jacobs is in Washington, D.C. for the presidential inauguration. She may be reached by e-mail at jacobs@corsicanadailysun.com.

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